Treatment of demyelinating disorders with soluble lymphotoxin-beta-receptor

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to the treatment of demyelinating disorders, e.g. multiple sclerosis, using a soluble lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) as an inhibitor of the lymphotoxin pathway.

BACKGROUND

Lymphotoxin beta receptor (LTβR) is a member of the tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR) family. The receptor is expressed on the surface of cells in the parenchyma and stroma of most lymphoid organs but is absent on T- and B-lymphocytes. Signaling through LTβR by the LTα/β heterotrimer (LT) is important during lymphoid development. LTβR is also known to bind the ligand LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxins, exhibits inducible expression, and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for HVEM, a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes), which has been implicated in T-cell driven events, both in the periphery and in the thymus. LT and LIGHT are expressed on the surface of activated lymphocytes. Blocking the LT pathway with a soluble decoy LTβR has been shown to be effective to treat autoimmune disease in various animal models.

SUMMARY

The invention is based, in part, on the discovery that a soluble form of LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can effectively promote remyelination in a subject. Accordingly, the invention provides methods, compositions (e.g., a soluble LTβR fusion protein, e.g., LTβR-Fc), devices, and kits useful for treating a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) in a subject, as well as for monitoring remyelination in the subject.

In one aspect, the invention features a method of treating a demyelinating disorder in a subject. The method includes the steps of: (i) administering to a subject a dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion protein such as LTβR-Fc) sufficient to promote remyelination; and optionally (ii) monitoring the subject for remyelination. Optionally, the method can also include the step of identifying a subject (e.g., a human (e.g., a human patient)) as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder.

In some embodiments, the method can include the step of selecting a subject so (e.g., a human patient) on the grounds that the subject is in need of remyelination.

In some embodiments, the method can also include the step of classifying the subject (e.g., the human patient) as being in need of remyelination.

In some embodiments, the method can further include the step of classifying the subject (e.g., the human patient) as having a preselected level of remyelination, e.g., no remyelination or having some level of remyelination. Preferably, the patient is classified as having remyelination, e.g., the patient is classified as having a preselected level, e.g., a level selected from a set of graduated levels of remyelination, e.g., a minimal, intermediate, or larger amount of remyelination. The graduated level or amount of remyelination can also be expressed or assigned as a discreet value, e.g., a scale of ascending values, e.g., 1-10, wherein a first score, e.g., a first score of “10,” indicates more remyelination in a patient than one having a second, lower score, e.g., a second score of “9.” The classification can be performed once or more than once. It may be desirable to classify a patient after a first preselected milestone, e.g., a preselected number of administrations, a predetermined period of treatment, or a preselected level of an increase or diminution of one or more symptoms. Classification can, optionally, be performed again at a second or subsequent milestone, e.g., a milestone of the same type. In a related embodiment, a record of the classification (e.g., the preselected level of remyelination) of the subject is made, e.g., a computer readable record.

In some embodiments, the subject is treated with a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc). In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR is an LTβR-Fc fusion polypeptide having the amino acid sequence depicted in SEQ ID NO:1 (see below).

The subject can be any mammal including, for example, a mouse, a rabbit, a guinea pig, a monkey, or a human (e.g., a human patient). The subject (e.g., a human patient) can be any subject having, or at risk of developing a demyelinating disorder. As used herein, a “demyelinating disorder” is any disease associated with the destruction or removal of myelin, the fatty sheath surrounding and insulating nerve fibers, from nerves. Demyelinating disorders include, for example, Multiple Sclerosis (e.g., Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, and Acute Fulminant Multiple Sclerosis), Central Pontine Myelinolysis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy; Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, Post-infectious Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Progressive Multifocal. Leucoencephalopathy, Devic's Disease, Balo's Concentric Sclerosis, and a leukodystrophy (e.g., Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbé disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, Canavan disease, Childhood Ataxia with Central Hypomyelination, Alexander disease, or Refsum disease). A human patient having a demyelinating disorder can have one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder such as, but not limited to, impaired vision, numbness, weakness in extremities, tremors or spasticity, heat intolerance, speech impairment, incontinence, dizziness, or impaired proprioception (e.g., balance, coordination, sense of limb position). A human (e.g., a human patient) with a family history of a demyelinating disorder (e.g., a genetic predisposition for a demyelinating disorder), or who exhibits mild or infrequent symptoms of a demyelinating disorder described above can be, for the purposes of the method, considered at risk of developing a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis).

In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR can be administered to the subject in an amount, frequency, and/or for a time sufficient to induce remyelination in the subject.

In some embodiments, for the purpose of inducing remyelination in a subject, the soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) is administered to the subject once. In other embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) is administered to the subject more than once, e.g., once every 3-10 days; at least twice and not more than once every 5-20 days; at least twice and not more than once every 28-31 days; weekly; biweekly; monthly; weekly over the course of at least 4 weeks; biweekly over the course of at least 6 weeks; monthly over the course of at least 3 months; or monthly over the course of at least 6 months.

In some embodiments, a suitable starting dose of soluble LTβR in trials to determine a dosage (e.g., the amount sufficient to induce remyelination in a subject) is 0.001 mg of soluble LTβR per kg body weight of the subject.

In some embodiments, a suitable dose or starting dose is determined by a number of subjective, patient-specific factors such as, but not limited to, sex, age, weight, physical health, or any other factor described herein.

In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) is administered to a subject intravenously or parenterally (e.g., subcutaneously, intramuscularly, intranasally, or orally).

In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) can be administered to a subject as a monotherapy.

In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) can be administered to a subject as a combination therapy with another treatment, e.g., another treatment for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., any of the demyelinating disorders described herein (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis)). For example, the combination therapy can include administering to the subject (e.g., a human patient) one or more additional agents that provide a therapeutic benefit to the subject who has, or is at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder. In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR and the one or more additional agents are administered at the same time. In other embodiments, the soluble LTβR is administered first in time and the one or more additional agents are administered second in time. In some embodiments, the one or more additional agents are administered first in time and the soluble LTβR is administered second in time. The soluble LTβR can replace or augment a previously or currently administered therapy. For example, upon treating with LTβR, administration of the one or more additional agents can cease or diminish, e.g., be administered at lower levels. In other embodiments, administration of the previous therapy is maintained. In some embodiments, a previous therapy will be maintained until the level of LTβR reaches a level sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. The two therapies can be administered in combination.

In some embodiments, a human receiving a first therapy for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis), e.g., Interferon Beta 1a (Avonex), Interferon Beta 1b (Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), azathiprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan or Neosar), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), methotrexate, Cladribine (Leustatin), methylprednisone (Depo-Medrol or Solu-Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), dexamethasone (Medrol or Decadron), adreno-corticotrophic hormone (ACTH), or Corticotropin (Acthar), can also be administered a soluble LTβR, e.g., LTβR-Fc. In some embodiments, when the human is administered the soluble LTβR, the first therapy is halted. In other embodiments, the human is monitored for a first pre-selected result, e.g., an improvement in one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder (such as increased remyelination), e.g., any of the symptoms of demyelinating disorders described herein. In some embodiments, when the first pre-selected result is observed, treatment with the soluble LTβR is decreased or halted. In some embodiments, the human is then monitored for a second pre-selected result after treatment with the soluble LTβR is halted, e.g., a worsening of a symptom of a demyelinating disorder. When the second pre-selected result is observed, administration of the soluble LTβR to the human is reinstated or increased, or administration of the first therapy is reinstated, or the human is administered both a soluble LTβR, or an increased amount of soluble LTβR, and the first therapeutic regimen.

In one embodiment, a human receiving a first therapy for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis or any other demyelinating disorder described herein), who is then treated with a soluble LTβR, e.g., an LTβR-Fc, continues to receive the first therapy at the same or a reduced amount. In another embodiment, treatment with the first therapy overlaps for a time with treatment with the soluble LTβR, but treatment with the first therapy is subsequently halted.

In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR can be administered to a subject receiving an anti-TNF therapy (e.g., Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade). In some embodiments, the subject receiving the anti-TNF therapy has an autoimmune disorder such as, but not limited to, rheumatoid arthritis.

Monitoring a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination, as defined herein, means evaluating the subject for a change, e.g., an improvement in one or more parameters that are indicative of remyelination, e.g., one can monitor improvement in one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder. Such symptoms include any of the symptoms of a demyelinating disorder described herein. Remyelination can also be monitored by methods which include direct determination of the state of myelin in the subject, e.g., one can measure white matter mass using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or measure the thickness of myelin fibers using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) brain scan. In some embodiments, the evaluation is performed at least 1 hour, e.g., at least 2, 4, 6, 8, 12, 24, or 48 hours, or at least 1 day, 2 days, 4 days, 10 days, 13 days, 20 days or more, or at least 1 week, 2 weeks, 4 weeks, 10 weeks, 13 weeks, 20 weeks or more, after an administration, preferably the first administration, of the soluble LTβR. The subject can be evaluated in one or more of the following periods: prior to beginning of treatment; during the treatment; or after one or more elements of the treatment have been administered. Evaluating can include evaluating the need for further treatment, e.g., evaluating whether a dosage, frequency of administration, or duration of treatment should be altered. It can also include evaluating the need to add or drop a selected therapeutic modality, e.g., adding or dropping any of the treatments for demyelinating disorders described herein. For example, continued administration of the soluble LTβR could be done with one or more additional treatment agents where necessary. In a preferred embodiment, if a preselected outcome of the evaluation is obtained, an additional step is taken, e.g., the subject is administered another treatment or another evaluation or test is performed. The level of remyelination can be used to make a determination on patient care, e.g., a selection or modification of a course of treatment or the decision of a third party to reimburse for the treatment.

In some embodiments, monitoring a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination can also include monitoring for a reduction in the size or number of inflammatory lesions (i.e., scleroses) using, e.g., Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scans, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DW-I, or DW-MRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Myelography, Magnetization Transfer. In some embodiments, monitoring a subject for remyelination can include the detection in cerebrospinal fluid of the presence of, e.g., (i) abnormal proteins such as tiny fragments of myelin, (ii) elevated levels of or specific types of lymphocytes, and/or (iii) abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (IgG) molecules, the fluid obtained from a lumbar puncture (i.e., a spinal tap). In other embodiments, monitoring a subject for remyelination can include assessment of a change in the subject's neuropsychology (e.g., the status of various abilities such as memory, arithmetic, attention, judgment and reasoning). In some embodiments, the monitoring of a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination can involve testing a patient's urine for a decrease in levels of myelin basic protein-like material (MBPLM), which substance becomes elevated as axonal damage occurs during disease progression. In some embodiments, where the demyelinating disorder affects a subject's eyes or vision, the monitoring of a subject for remyelination can involve testing for improvements in, e.g., color blindness.

In one aspect, the disclosure features a method of evaluating a subject, to determine, e.g., if a subject is responding or not responding to a treatment for a demyelinating disorder, e.g., a therapy that increases remyelination in a subject such as administering a soluble LTβR. The method includes providing a reference value (e.g., a pre-administration value) for the level or state of myelin in the subject, and optionally, administering to the subject a medicament that increases remyelination (e.g., a soluble LTβR, e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc). In embodiments where a medicament is administered, the method also includes providing a post-administration value for the level or state of myelin in the subject (e.g., the level or state of myelin following administration of a remyelination therapy) and comparing the post-administration value with the reference value, thereby evaluating the subject, e.g., determining if the subject is responding or not responding to the therapy. The post-administration value (i.e., the value corresponding to the state or level of myelin in a subject following a remyelination therapy) can be determined, e.g., by any of the assessment methods described herein. The reference value (i.e., the state or level of myelin in a subject prior to treatment with a remyelination therapy) can also be determined, e.g., by any of the assessment methods described herein.

In some embodiments, the method includes assigning the subject to a class, and optionally, recording the assignment, e.g., in a computer readable record.

In some embodiments, the evaluation includes determining if the subject is responding. In other embodiments, the evaluation includes determining if the subject is not responding.

In some embodiments, the evaluation includes providing information on which to make a decision about the subject.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of selecting the subject for a preselected treatment.

In some embodiments, the method further includes the step of selecting a duration of treatment of demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) in a subject.

In some embodiments, a determination that a subject is responding indicates that a shorter duration of treatment can/should/will be/is administered to the subject (e.g., shorter than the treatment which is recommended for a subject who is not responding to a therapy, or a duration shorter than currently used with existing therapies for demyelinating disorders, and optionally, that indication is entered into a record.

In some embodiments, a determination that a subject is responding indicates that a shorter duration of treatment is counter-indicated for the subject (e.g., a duration shorter than currently used with existing treatments for demyelinating disorders, e.g., any of the treatments for demyelinating disorders described herein), and optionally, that indication is entered into a record.

In some embodiments, providing a comparison of the post-administration value with a reference value includes: providing a determination of a post-administration level of myelin in a subject at a first time point (e.g., wherein the first time point is 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 or more days (e.g., 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 or more weeks (e.g., 3, 4, 6, 12 or more months))) after the commencement of administration of the remyelination therapy (e.g., a soluble LTβR)); providing a determination of a reference value of the state or level of myelin in the subject at a second time point that is prior to the first time point (e.g., wherein the second time point is prior to, or within about 1, 2, 3, 4, or 5 days of the commencement of, administration of a remyelination therapy (e.g., a soluble LTβR, e.g., LTβR-Fc); and providing a comparison of the post administration level and reference value of a subject's myelin, wherein increased levels of myelin in a subject (e.g., the levels differ by no more than about 60%, about 50%, about 40%, about 30%, about 20%, about 10%, about 5%, about 2%, or about 1%) between the post-administration level and reference value indicates that the subject is responding.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of selecting a payment class for a course of treatment with a remyelination therapy (e.g., a soluble LTβR an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) for a patient having a demyelinating disorder, e.g., Multiple Sclerosis. The method includes providing (e.g., receiving) an evaluation of whether the patient is responding or not responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder; and performing at least one of (1) if the patient is responding (e.g., remyelination occurs in the patient), selecting a first payment class, and (2) if the subject is not responding (e.g., no remyelination in the patient), selecting a second payment class. The therapy can include a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc). The therapy can also include one or more of any of the therapies for demyelinating disorders described herein. In some embodiments, the therapy is one that increases remyelination in a patient such as a soluble LTβR.

In some embodiments, assignment of the patient is to the first payment class and the assignment authorizes payment for a course of treatment for a first duration. In some embodiments, the patient is responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder and a treatment duration of less than 52, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 10, 8, 4 or 2 weeks is authorized.

In some embodiments, assignment of the patient is to the second payment class and the assignment authorizes payment for a course of treatment for a second duration. In some embodiments, the patient is not responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder and a treatment duration of more than 52, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 10, 8, 4 or 2 weeks is authorized.

In some embodiments, the determination of whether a patient is responding to a therapy is made by evaluating the subject for a change, e.g., an improvement, in one or more parameters that are indicative of remyelination, e.g., one can monitor improvement in one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder. Such symptoms include any of the symptoms of a demyelinating disorder described herein. Remyelination can also be monitored by methods which include direct determination of the state of myelin in the subject, e.g., one can measure white matter mass using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), measure the thickness of myelin fibers using a magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) brain scan, or any other direct measures described herein.

In another embodiment, the determination of whether a patient is responding to a therapy can also be evaluated by any other assessment or indicia described herein, including, but not limited to, monitoring a patient for a reduction in the size or number of inflammatory lesions (i.e., scleroses) present in the patient; monitoring a patient's cerebrospinal fluid for a reduction in the presence or amount of, e.g., (i) abnormal proteins such as tiny fragments of myelin, (ii) elevated levels of or specific types of lymphocytes, and/or (iii) abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (IgG) molecules; monitoring a patient for a positive change in neuropsychology (e.g., the status of various abilities such as memory, arithmetic, attention, judgment and reasoning); and/or monitoring a patient's urine for a decrease in levels of myelin basic protein-like material (MBPLM).

In some embodiments, at least a 5% (e.g., at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 60%, at least 70%) improvement in one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder or other above-described indicia following a remyelination therapy (e.g., a therapy that induces remyelination in a subject, e.g., a therapy such as a soluble LTβR) is sufficient to classify the patient as responding to a therapy.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of providing information on which to make a decision about a human subject (e.g., a patient), or making such a decision. The method includes providing (e.g., receiving) an evaluation of a patient, wherein the evaluation was made by a method described herein, e.g., determining if a patient has, or is at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder or is one in need of, or likely to benefit from, increased remyelination; providing a determination of a post-administration state, level, or amount of myelin in a patient (e.g., the extent of remyelination); thereby providing a post-administration value; providing a comparison of the post-administration level with a reference value (e.g., the level of myelin present in a patient prior to treatment); and thereby, providing information on which to make a decision about a patient, or making such a decision.

In some embodiments, the method includes making the decision about the patient.

In some embodiments, the method also includes communicating the information to another party (e.g., by computer, compact disc, telephone, facsimile, email, or letter).

In some embodiments, the method includes recording the information, e.g., in a computer readable record or in a patient's file.

In some embodiments, the decision includes selecting a patient for payment, making or authorizing payment for a first course of action if the subject is responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., a therapy that increases remyelination in a patient) and a second course of action if the patient is not responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder.

In some embodiments, the decision includes selecting a first course of action if the post-administration value has a first predetermined relationship with a reference value (e.g., the post-administration value is higher than the reference value), and selecting a second course of action if the post administration value has a second predetermined relationship with the reference value (e.g., the post-administration value is lower than the reference value).

In some embodiments, the decision includes selecting a first course of action if the patient is responding and a second course of action if the subject is not responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., a therapy that increases remyelination in a patient).

In some embodiments, the patient is responding and the course of action is authorization of a course of therapy. In some embodiments, the course of therapy is shorter than what is provided to an otherwise similar patient who is not responding, in e.g., the course of therapy is less than 52, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 10, 8, 4 or 2 weeks.

In some embodiments, the patient is responding to a therapy and the course of action is assigning the patient to a first class. In some embodiments, assignment to the first class will enable payment for a treatment provided to the patient. In some embodiments, payment is by a first party to a second party. In some embodiments, the first party is other than the patient. In some embodiments, the first party is selected from a third party payor, an insurance company, employer, employer sponsored health plan, HMO, or governmental entity. In some embodiments, the second party is selected from the subject, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, a governmental entity, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug. In some embodiments, the first party is an insurance company and the second party is selected from the patient, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, a governmental entity, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug. In some embodiments, the first party is a governmental entity and the second party is selected from the patient, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, an insurance company, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug.

In some embodiments, the patient is not responding and the course of action is authorization of a course of therapy. In some embodiments, the course of therapy is longer than what is provided to an otherwise similar patient who is responding to a therapy for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., a therapy that increases remyelination in a subject), e.g., the course of therapy is longer than 52, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 10, 8, 4 or 2 weeks. In some embodiments, the subject is not responding and the course of action is assigning the patient to a second class. In some embodiments, assignment to the second class will enable payment for a treatment provided to the patient, e.g., treatment for a period which is longer than a preselected period (e.g., longer than the period of treatment for an enhanced responder). In some embodiments, payment is by a first party to a second party. In some embodiments, the first party is other than the patient. In some embodiments, the first party is selected from a third party payor, an insurance company, employer, employer sponsored health plan, HMO, or governmental entity. In some embodiments, the second party is selected from the subject, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, a governmental entity, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug. In some embodiments, the first party is an insurance company and the second party is selected from the subject, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, a governmental entity, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug. In some embodiments, the first party is a governmental entity and the second party is selected from the subject, a healthcare provider, a treating physician, an HMO, a hospital, an insurance company, or an entity which sells or supplies the drug.

In some embodiments, the patient is one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder such as Multiple Sclerosis or any other demyelinating disorder described herein.

In another aspect, the disclosure features a method of selecting a payment class for a course of treatment with a remyelination therapy for a subject having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder and/or a subject in need of, or likely to benefit from, increased remyelination. The method includes identifying the subject as one responding to the therapy, and approving, making, authorizing, receiving, transmitting or otherwise allowing payment of a selected course of treatment, e.g., a shorter course of treatment (e.g., less than 52, 48, 36, 24, 18, 12, 10, 8, 4 or 2 weeks) than if the subject has been identified as not responding to a therapy.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating a demyelinating disorder in a human, which includes the steps of administering to a subject (e.g., a human (e.g., a human patient)) a dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc), where said administration is sufficient such that remyelination occurs in the human. The method can optionally include the step of identifying a subject as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder. The method can also, optionally, include the step of monitoring the subject for remyelination. The subject can be any subject described herein. The demyelinating disorder can be any demyelinating disorder described herein (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). The soluble LTβR can be any of those described herein. Administration of the soluble LTβR to a subject can include any of the routes, doses, or schedules described herein (e.g., see any of the administration methods described above). In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) can be administered as a monotherapy or in combination with one or more additional therapies for a demyelinating disorder as described above. In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR can be administered to a subject receiving an anti-TNF therapy (e.g., Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade). A subject can be identified as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder using any of the methods described herein. Monitoring a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination can include any of the methods described herein.

In another aspect, the invention features a method of treating a demyelinating disorder in a human, which includes the steps of: (i) administering to a human a dose of a soluble LTβR sufficient to promote remyelination; and (ii) classifying the human as having a preselected level of remyelination. Optionally, the method can include the step of monitoring the human for remyelination. The method can also optionally include the step of identifying a human as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder or as one in need of, or likely to benefit from, increased remyelination. The demyelinating disorder can be any demyelinating disorder described herein (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). The soluble LTβR can be any of those described herein. Administration of the soluble LTβR to a subject can include any of the routes, doses, or schedules described herein (e.g., see any of the administration methods described above). In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) can be administered as a monotherapy or in combination with one or more additional therapies for a demyelinating disorder as described above. In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR can be administered to a subject receiving an anti-TNF therapy (e.g., Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade). Monitoring a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination can include any of the methods described herein. Exemplary methods for classifying remyelination in a human (e.g., a patient) are described above.

In another aspect, the invention also provides a method of promoting remyelination. The method includes the steps of: (i) administering to a subject receiving an anti-TNF-therapy an effective dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc), and optionally, (ii) monitoring the human for remyelination. The method can also optionally include the step of identifying a subject as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder resulting from an anti-TNF therapy. The subject can be any subject described herein. Administration of the soluble LTβR to a subject can include any of the routes, doses, or schedules described herein (e.g., see any of the administration methods described above). In some embodiments, the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) can be administered as a monotherapy or in combination with one or more additional therapies for a demyelinating disorder as described above. In some embodiments, the anti-TNF therapy that the subject is receiving is, e.g., Humira, Enbrel, or Remicade. A subject can be identified as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder using any of the methods described herein. Monitoring a subject (e.g., a human patient) for remyelination can include any of the methods described herein (see the exemplary methods described above).

In another aspect, the invention features a method of selecting a patient as one in need of, or who could benefit from, administration of a soluble LTβR. The method includes the step of determining if a patient is in need of, or could benefit from, remyelination. The method can also include the step of treating the selected patient with a soluble form of LTβR. Methods for selecting the patient can include any of the methods exemplified herein including, for example, monitoring for one or more symptoms of a demyelinating disorder or any of the direct assessments of the state of myelin in a subject described above. The soluble LTβR can be any of those described herein. The dose, frequency of administration (i.e., schedule), and duration of treatment can be any of those described herein.

In some embodiments of the method, the patient is a patient diagnosed with a demyelinating disorder. In other embodiments of the method, the patient is one presenting one or more symptoms associated with a demyelinating disorder such as any of the symptoms described herein.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of selecting a dose, route of administration, frequency of administration, and/or duration of treatment of a soluble LTβR to a patient. The method includes the steps of (i) evaluating the patient for one or more patient-specific factors and (ii) selecting a dose, frequency of administration, and/or duration of treatment based on the assessment of the one or more factors, and (iii) optionally, where appropriate, administering to the patient a soluble LTβR at a dose, frequency of administration, and/or duration of treatment determined in step (ii). The method can also include the step of selecting a patient as one having, or at risk of developing, a demyelinating disorder. Accordingly, the patient can be one having, or likely to develop, a demyelinating disorder. The method can also include the step of monitoring the patient for remyelination following the treatment. The soluble LTβR can be any of those described herein.

In some embodiments, the patient can be determined not to be in need of, or likely to benefit from, administration of a soluble LTβR.

In another aspect, the invention provides a delivery device designed for intravenous, subcutaneous or intramuscular administration of a soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) to a subject (e.g., a human (e.g., a human patient) having a demyelinating disorder, where the administration is sufficient such that remyelination occurs in the subject. The delivery device can be any suitable delivery device described herein including, for example, a syringe. The demyelinating disorder can be any demyelinating disorder described herein (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis). The subject can be any of the subjects described herein. The soluble LTβR can be any of the soluble LTβR polypeptides described herein.

In some embodiments, the delivery device contains a unit dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc), where the unit dose is sufficient to increase remyelination.

Doses of about 0.001 mg/kg of a soluble LTβR are expected to be suitable starting points for optimizing treatment doses.

In some embodiments, the delivery device contains a lyophilized soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc).

In another aspect, the invention features a kit containing: (i) one or more unit doses of a soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) and (ii) reagents and instructions for how to assay for remyelination. Instructions for how to assay for remyelination can include instructions for any of the methods for assessing remyelination described herein (see above).

In some embodiments, the kit is for the treatment of a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis).

In another aspect, the invention features a delivery device containing two compartments, where the first compartment contains a unit dose of lyophilized soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc), wherein the unit dose is sufficient such that remyelination occurs in a subject (e.g., a human, e.g., a human patient); and the second compartment contains a liquid for reconstituting the soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) prior to administration to the subject. The delivery device can be any suitable delivery device described herein including, for example, a syringe. The subject can be any of the subjects described herein. The soluble LTβR can be any of the soluble LTβR polypeptides described herein. The liquid can be any pharmaceutically acceptable diluent described herein, and can include, for example, a buffer (e.g., phosphate-buffered saline) or distilled and/or sterilized water.

In some embodiments, the delivery device contains a unit dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc), such that administration of the reconstituted soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) to a subject will deliver to the subject at least about 0.001 mg of the soluble LTβR per kg body weight of the subject.

In another aspect, the invention provides a method of instructing a patient having a demyelinating disorder to treat the patient's demyelinating disorder, which includes the steps of: (i) providing the patient with at least two unit, doses of a soluble LTβR (e.g., a LTβR-Fc); and (ii) instructing the patient to self-administer the unit doses subcutaneously, one dose at a time, wherein the unit dose of LTβR-Fc is sufficient to induce remyelination in a patient. Optionally, the method can include the step of instructing the patient to self-monitor for remyelination. The demyelinating disorder can be any of those described herein such as Multiple Sclerosis. The soluble LTβR can be any soluble LTβR polypeptide described herein such as the LTβR-Fc set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. Administration of one or more unit doses of a soluble LTβR (i.e., instructions for how to do so) can include any of the methods (e.g., schedules) described herein.

A “soluble LTβR,” as defined herein, is a polypeptide that includes a lymphotoxin (LT)-binding fragment of the extracellular region of LTβR. For example, a soluble LTβR can include all or a fragment of the extracellular domain of human LTβR (e.g., it can include residues 40-200, 35-200, 40-210; 35-220, 32-225, or 28-225 of human LTβR as depicted by SEQ ID NO:2 below).

(SEQ ID NO: 2) MLLPWATSAPGLAWGPLVLGLFGLLAASQPQAVPPYASENQTCRDQEKEY YEPQHRICCSRCPPGTYVSAKCSRIRDTVCATCAENSYNEHWNYLTICQL CRPCDPVMGLEEIAPCTSKRKTQCRCQPGMFCAAWALECTHCELLSDCPP GTEAELKDEVGKGNNHCVPCKAGHFQNTSSPSARCQPHTRCENQGLVEAA PGTAQSDTTCKNPLEPLPPEMSGTMLMLAVLLPLAFFLLLATVFSCIWKS HPSLCRKLGSLLKRRPQGEGPNPVAGSWEPPKAHPYFPDLVQPLLPISGD VSPVSTGLPAAPVLEAGVPQQQSPLDLTREPQLEPGEQSQVAHGTNGIHV TGGSMTITGNIYIYNGPVLGGPPGPGDLPATPEPPYPIPEEGDPGPPGLS TPHQEDGKAWHLAETEHCGATPSNRGPRNQFITHD. In some embodiments, a soluble LTβR includes the extracellular region of the LTβR molecule as represented by residues 32-225 of SEQ ID NO:2 (depicted by SEQ ID NO:11 below).

(SEQ ID NO: 11) AVPPYASENQTCRDQEKEYYEPQHRICCSRCPPGTYVSAKCSRIRDTVCA TCAENSYNEHWNYLTICQLCRPCDPVMGLEEIAPCTSKRKTQCRCQPGMF CAAWALECTHCELLSDCPPGTEAELKDEVGKGNNHCVPCKAGHFQNTSSP SARCQPHTRCENQGLVEAAPGTAQSDTTCKNPLEPLPPEMSGTM. In some embodiments, the full-length, immature LTβR polypeptide is a full-length, immature LTβR polypeptide derived from any species (e.g., any mammal (e.g., a mouse, rat, or monkey) that expresses a homolog of human LTβR polypeptide as set forth in SEQ ID NO:2. In a preferred embodiment, the LTβR polypeptide is human LTβR.

In some embodiments, the LTBR moiety is itself soluble. In some embodiments, the LTBR is joined to a heterologous moiety that increases its solubility, e.g., an Fc region of an immunoglobulin molecule. In some embodiments, the heterologous moiety can be covalently joined to the LTBR moiety.

In some embodiments, a soluble LTβR can be modified by covalent attachment of a second polypeptide moiety, e.g., a heterologous polypeptide (e.g., to make an LTβR fusion protein) or a non-polypeptide moiety. In some cases, such moieties can improve a pharmacodynamic or pharmacokinetic parameter, such as solubility or half-life. LTβR fusion proteins can include all or part of the constant region of an antibody (e.g., an Fc domain), transferrin, or albumin, such as human serum albumin (HSA) or bovine serum albumin (BSA). The fusion protein can include a linker region between the LTβR sequence and the non-LTβR protein domain. In some embodiments, a soluble LTβR is modified by covalent attachment to a polymer such as a polyethylene glycol (PEG). While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, such soluble LTβRs can act as decoy receptors to reduce (block) LTβR activity. An exemplary soluble LTβR is an LTβR-Fc, e.g., the LTβR-Fc having the sequence of SEQ ID NO:1 set forth below. M L L P W A T S A P G L A W G P L V L G L F G L L A A A V P P Y A S E N Q T C R D Q E K E Y Y E P Q H R I C C S R C P P G T Y V S A K C S R I R D T V C A T C A E N S Y N E H W N Y L T I C Q L C R P C D P V M G L E E I A P C T S K R K T Q C R C Q P G M F C A A W A L E C T H C E L L S D C P P G T E A E L K D E V G K G N N H C V P C K A G H F Q N T S S P S A R C Q P H T R C E N Q G L V E A A P G T A Q S D T T C K N P L E P L P P E M S G T M V D K T H T C P P C P A P E L L G G P S V F L F P P K P K D T L M I S R T P E V T C V V V D V S H E D P E V K F N W Y V D G V E V H N A K T K P R E E Q Y N S T Y R V V S V L T V L H Q D W L N G K E Y K C K V S N K A L P A P I E K T I S K A K G Q P R E P Q V Y T L P P S R D E L T K N Q V S L T C L V K G F Y P S D I A V E W E S N G Q P E N N Y K T T P P V L D S D G S F F L Y S K L T V D K S R W Q Q G N V F S C S V M H E A L H N H Y T Q K S L S L S P G (Amino acids in italics indicate signal sequence; underlined amino acids indicate sequence derived from the extracellular region of LTβR; and amino acids in bold indicate IgG Fc sequence. A valine linking the LTβR sequence with the IgG-Fc sequence is artificial, and derived neither from the LTβR or the IgG-Fc sequence. The underlined sequence is a substantial part of the extracellular domain of LTβR and corresponds to amino acids 32 to 225 of SEQ ID NO:2 (see above)).

“Polypeptide” and “protein” are used interchangeably and mean any peptide-linked chain of amino acids, regardless of length or post-translational modification. The LTβR, heterologous polypeptides, or fusion proteins thereof, used in any of the methods of the invention can contain or be human proteins or can be variants that have not more than 50 (e.g., not more than one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 12, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, or 50) conservative amino acid substitutions. Conservative substitutions typically include substitutions within the following groups: glycine and alanine; valine, isoleucine, and leucine; aspartic acid and glutamic acid; asparagine, glutamine, serine and threonine; lysine, histidine and arginine; and phenylalanine and tyrosine. All that is required is that: (i) such variants of the soluble LTβR polypeptides have at least 25% (e.g., at least: 30%; 40%; 50%; 60%; 70%; 75%; 80%; 85%; 90%; 95%; 97%; 98%; 99%; 99.5%, or 100% or even greater) of the ability of the LTBR-Fc fusion protein (SEQ ID NO:1) to induce remyelination in a subject.

A “polypeptide fragment,” as used herein, refers to a segment of the polypeptide that is shorter than a full-length, immature polypeptide. A “functional fragment” of a polypeptide has at least 10% (e.g., at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 35%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 70%, at least 80%, at least 90%, at least 95%, at least 98%, at least 99%, at least 99.5%, or 100% or more) of the activity of the mature, polypeptide. Fragments of a polypeptide include terminal as well as internal deletion variants of a polypeptide. Deletion variants can lack one, two, three, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, or 20 amino acid segments (of two or more amino acids) or non-contiguous single amino acids.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Preferred methods and materials are describe below, although methods and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the present invention. All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety. The materials, methods, and examples disclosed herein are illustrative only and not intended to be limiting.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, from the drawings, and from the claims.

DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a graph depicting LtβR mRNA expression levels in wild-type mice to during cuprizone treatment.

FIG. 2 is a graph depicting the severity of demyelination in LtβR^(−/−) and wildtype mice. On a scale depicting severity of demyelination, as assayed by LFB-PAS stained paraffin sections, 0 indicates normal myelination, and 3 indicates complete demyelination. Each circle represents an individual mouse: open circles, C57BL6 wild-type (wt); filled circles, LtβR^(−/−) mice. Horizontal lines indicate the median score of each group.

FIG. 3 is a graph depicting numbers of mature oligodendrocytes detected at the midline corpus callosum following treatment with cuprizone. Wild-type mice are indicated by gray bars; LtβR^(−/−) mice are indicated by black bars.

FIG. 4 is a graph depicting numbers of microglial/macrophage cells detected at the midline corpus callosum following treatment with cuprizone. Wild-type mice are indicated by gray bars; LtβR^(−/−) mice are indicated by black bars.

FIG. 5 is a graph depicting the severity of demyelination in wild-type C57BL6 mice following administration of hLtβR-Ig or human Ig control. On a scale depicting severity of demyelination, as assayed by LFB-PAS stained paraffin sections, 0 indicates normal myelination, and 3 indicates complete demyelination. Each circle represents an individual mouse: open circles, human-Ig treated mice; filled circles hLtβR-Ig treated mice. Horizontal lines indicate the median score of each group.

FIG. 6 is a graph depicting the severity of demyelination in wild-type C57BL6 mice following administration of mLtβR-Ig or mouse Ig control. On a scale depicting severity of demyelination, as assayed by LFB-PAS stained paraffin sections, 0 indicates normal myelination, and 3 indicates complete demyelination. Each circle represents an individual mouse: open circles, human-Ig treated mice; filled circles hLtβR-Ig treated mice. Horizontal lines indicate the median score of each group.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The soluble LtβRs described herein are lymphotoxin (LT) pathway inhibitors and are shown to promote remyelination. Thus, the soluble LtβRs can be useful for the treatment of demyelinating disorders. Demyelinating disorders can include, for example, Multiple Sclerosis (e.g., Relapsing/Remitting Multiple Sclerosis, Secondary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, Progressive Relapsing Multiple Sclerosis, Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis, or Acute Fulminant Multiple Sclerosis), Central Pontine Myelinolysis, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis, Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy, Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis, Post-infectious Encephalomyelitis, Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, Progressive Multifocal Leucoencephalopathy, Devic's Disease, Balo's Concentric Sclerosis, and a leukodystrophy (e.g., Metachromatic Leukodystrophy, Krabbé disease, Adrenoleukodystrophy, Pelizaeus-Merzbacher disease, Canavan disease, Childhood Ataxia with Central Hypomyelination, Alexander disease, or Refsum disease). The agents and methods described herein are particularly suitable for treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

Multiple Sclerosis is an idiopathic disorder of the central nervous system in which the body's immune system attacks myelin in the brain and spinal cord. Whether the disease manifests in repeated episodes of inflammation or as a chronic condition, it often results in multiple scars (scleroses) on the myelin sheath, leading to impairment or loss of nerve function. Multiple Sclerosis, while primarily affecting young adults, can manifest in patients of any age. Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis include, for example, impaired vision or cognitive function, numbness, weakness in extremities, tremors or spasticity, heat intolerance, speech impairment, incontinence, or impaired proprioception. Patients with Multiple Sclerosis often also present with depression.

Following administration of a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc)-containing composition to a subject (e.g., a human patient), the efficacy of the treatment (i.e., the remyelination resulting from the treatment) of a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) can be assessed, e.g., by comparing the extent of the patient's demyelinating disorder before and after treatment. Post-treatment assessment can occur immediately or shortly after treatment (e.g., one hour after treatment, two hours after treatment, three hours after treatment, six hours after treatment, 12 hours after treatment, or 18 hours after treatment) or can occur at least one day (e.g., at least one day, at least two days, at least three days, at least five days, at least a week, at least two weeks, at least three weeks, at least five weeks, at least two months, at least six months, or at least a year) following treatment. Where progression of the improvement of Multiple Sclerosis following one or more LTβR-Fc treatments (e.g., one or more treatments to induce remyelination) is to be assessed, a patient's symptoms or cognitive abilities can be evaluated or measured at multiple time points following LTβR-Fc treatment (e.g., a one day, two day, and one week evaluation; a one week, one month, and six month evaluation; a one month, six month, and one year evaluation). Progression of the improvement of a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) can also include measuring or assessing, for example, a change in the size or number of demyelinating lesions in a patient or a change (i.e., an improvement) in nerve function.

Suitable methods for evaluating the extent or severity of a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis or any other demyelinating disorder described herein) are well known in the art. For example, the presence, extent, or severity of Multiple Sclerosis can be assessed in a patient through the use of a number of quantitative tests and evaluations. For example, a lumbar puncture (i.e., a spinal tap) can be performed on a patient to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The cerebrospinal fluid is then tested for the presence of, e.g., (i) abnormal proteins such as tiny fragments of myelin, (ii) elevated levels of or specific types of lymphocytes, and/or (iii) abnormal levels of immunoglobulin (IgG) molecules. Another example of a quantitative test for a demyelinating disorder is an evoked potential test, which measures nerve activity as a function of how long it takes nerve impulses from the eye, ear, or skin to reach the brain. A demyelinating disorder can also be assessed by evaluating the size and/or number of inflammatory lesions (i.e., scleroses) present at the central nervous system using any of several methods of imaging including, but not limited to, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scans, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DW-I, or DW-MRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Myelography, Magnetization Transfer. Patients can also be diagnosed using a variety of semi-quantitative or qualitative assessments of their neuropsychology (e.g., the status of various abilities such as memory, arithmetic, attention, judgment and reasoning) or symptoms (clinical parameters) presented by the patient including, e.g., any of the symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis described above. Additionally, the extent or progression of a demyelinating disorder can be detected by testing a patient's urine for elevated levels of myelin basic protein-like material (MBPLM), which substance becomes elevated as axonal damage occurs during disease progression (see, for example, Whitaker et al. (1995) Ann. Neurol. 38(4):635-632). Certain tests for color blindness can also be helpful in tracking the effect of demyelinating disorders on the eyes.

Any of the diagnostic methods described above can also be used to evaluate increased remyelination in a subject (e.g., a patient) following treatment with a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc). For example, remyelination can coincide with a reduction in the size or number of scleroses present in a patient as determined through any of the imaging methods described herein. Also, remyelination in a subject could be measured as an increase in the speed of transmission of a signal from the ears, eyes, or skin to the brain, as determined through evoked potential testing. In some cases, remyelination can be evaluated as an increase in white matter volume (e.g., nerve mass of the spine or brain), particularly where the demyelinating disorder has resulted in nerve atrophy. In some instances, the extent or occurrence of remyelination in a subject can be assessed by directly measuring the thickness of myelin in a subject using, e.g., magnetic resonance spectroscopy scans.

The efficacy of a given treatment (i.e., the extent of remyelination) in treating a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) can be defined as an improvement of one or more symptoms of demyelinating disorder (e.g., any of the symptoms described above) by at least 5% (e.g., at least 10%, at least 15%, at least 20%, at least 25%, at least 30%, at least 40%, at least 50%, at least 55%, at least 60%, at least 65% or more). In some cases, efficacy of a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) treatment can be determined from the stabilization of one or more worsening symptoms associated with Multiple Sclerosis (i.e., the treatments curtail the worsening of one or more symptoms of Multiple. Sclerosis). Treatment efficacy or extent of remyelination can also be evaluated in a patient using any of the diagnostic methods described herein, e.g., MRI or PET. For example, the amelioration of the size or number of demyelinating lesions (scleroses) following treatment with an LTβR-Fc can be monitored using MRI.

Combination Therapies

The methods and compositions described herein can be used in combination with other therapies used for the treatment of demyelinating disorders. For example, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) composition can be used in combination with direct therapies for Multiple Sclerosis such as, but not limited to, Interferon Beta 1a (Avonex), Interferon Beta 1b (Rebif), glatiramer acetate (Copaxone), mitoxantrone (Novantrone), azathiprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan or Neosar), cyclosporine (Sandimmune), methotrexate, Cladribine (Leustatin), methylprednisone (Depo-Medrol or Solu-Medrol), prednisone (Deltasone), prednisolone (Delta-Cortef), dexamethasone (Medrol or Decadron), adreno-corticotrophic hormone (ACTH), or Corticotropin (Acthar).

The methods and compositions (e.g., a soluble LTβR such as LTβR-Fc) provided herein can also be used in combination with therapies designed to treat the symptoms associated with a demyelinating disorder. Where the demyelinating disorder is Multiple Sclerosis, for example, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be administered in combination with one or more treatments for pain associated with Multiple Sclerosis including, e.g., carbamazepine, gabapentin, topiramate, zonisimide, phenyloin, pentoxifylline, ibuprofen, aspirin, or acetaminophen. A soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can also be administered in combination with one or more treatments for anxiety or depression associated with Multiple Sclerosis including, e.g., fluoxetine, sertraline, vanlafaxine, citalopram, parocetine, trazodone, buproprion, diazepam, or amitriptyline.

Furthermore, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be administered in combination with one or more treatments for other symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis including, incontinence (e.g., oxybutynin, bethane, or imipramine), tremors or spasticity (e.g., baclofen, dantrolene sodium, or tizanidine), or vertigo (e.g., mecizine, dimenhydrinate, prochlorperazine, or scopolamine).

The present invention also includes the use of the methods and compositions described herein in combination with therapies or medicaments that can cause demyelinating conditions. For example, anti-TNF therapy for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, as a side-effect, can result in a type of demyelinating condition. Thus, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be administered (e.g., co-administered) in combination with an anti-TNF therapy to prevent, ameliorate, or reverse the demyelination side-effects and to promote remyelination. Anti-TNF therapies include, but are not limited to, adalimumab (Humira), etanercept (Enbrel), or infliximab (Remicade).

Any of the methods or compositions described herein generally can be used in any circumstance where increasing remyelination would be advantageous.

In some instances, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) is used as a second line therapy. For example, a patient who is determined to be unresponsive to one or more therapies for a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis) will stop receiving the one or more treatments and will begin treatment with a soluble LTβR, e.g., LTβR-Fc. Alternatively, the patient will continue to receive the one or more therapies for a demyelinating disorder while receiving treatment with the soluble LTβR.

Pharmaceutical Compositions

A soluble LTβR, e.g., LTβR-Fc, can be formulated as a pharmaceutical composition, e.g., for administration to a subject to treat a demyelinating disorder, such as Multiple Sclerosis. Typically, a pharmaceutical composition includes a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier. As used herein, “pharmaceutically acceptable carrier” includes any and all solvents, dispersion media, coatings, antibacterial and antifungal agents, isotonic and absorption delaying agents, and the like that are physiologically compatible. The composition can include a pharmaceutically acceptable salt, e.g., an acid addition salt or a base addition salt (see e.g., Berge et al., J. Pharm. Sci. 66:1-19, 1977).

The soluble LTβR can be formulated according to standard methods. Pharmaceutical formulation is a well-established art, and is further described, e.g., in Gennaro (ed.), Remington: The Science and Practice of Pharmacy, 20th ed., Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (2000) (ISBN: 0683306472); Ansel et al., Pharmaceutical Dosage Forms and Drug Delivery Systems, 7th Ed., Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Publishers (1999) (ISBN: 0683305727); and Kibbe (ed.), Handbook of Pharmaceutical Excipients American Pharmaceutical Association, 3rd ed. (2000) (ISBN: 091733096X).

In one embodiment, a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be formulated with excipient materials, such as sodium chloride, sodium dibasic phosphate heptahydrate, sodium monobasic phosphate, and a stabilizer. It can be provided, for example, in a buffered solution at a suitable concentration and can be stored at 2-8° C.

The pharmaceutical compositions may be in a variety of forms. These include, for example, liquid, semi-solid and solid dosage forms, such as liquid solutions (e.g., injectable and infusible solutions), dispersions or suspensions, tablets, pills, powders, liposomes and suppositories. The preferred form can depend on the intended mode of administration and therapeutic application. Typically compositions for the agents described herein are in the form of injectable or infusible solutions.

Such compositions can be administered by a parenteral mode (e.g., intravenous, subcutaneous, intraperitoneal, or intramuscular injection). The phrases “parenteral administration” and “administered parenterally” as used herein mean modes of administration other than enteral and topical administration, usually by injection, and include, without limitation, intravenous, intramuscular, intraarterial, intrathecal, intracapsular, intraorbital, intracardiac, intradermal, intraperitoneal, transtracheal, subcutaneous, subcuticular, intraarticular, subcapsular, subarachnoid, intraspinal, epidural, intracerebral, intracranial, intracarotid and intrasternal injection and infusion.

The composition can be formulated as a solution, microemulsion, dispersion, liposome, or other ordered structure suitable for stable storage at high concentration. Sterile injectable solutions can be prepared by incorporating an agent described herein in the required amount in an appropriate solvent with one or a combination of ingredients enumerated above, as required, followed by filtered sterilization. Generally, dispersions are prepared by incorporating an agent described herein into a sterile vehicle that contains a basic dispersion medium and the required other ingredients from those enumerated above. In the case of sterile powders for the preparation of sterile injectable solutions, the preferred methods of preparation are vacuum drying and freeze-drying that yields a powder of an agent described herein plus any additional desired ingredient from a previously sterile-filtered solution thereof. The proper fluidity of a solution can be maintained, for example, by the use of a coating such as lecithin, by the maintenance of the required particle size in the case of dispersion and by the use of surfactants. Prolonged absorption of injectable compositions can be brought about by including in the composition an agent that delays absorption, for example, monostearate salts and gelatin.

In certain embodiments, the soluble LTβR can be prepared with a carrier that will protect the compound against rapid release, such as a controlled release formulation, including implants, and microencapsulated delivery systems. Biodegradable, biocompatible polymers can be used, such as ethylene vinyl acetate, polyanhydrides, polyglycolic acid, collagen, polyorthoesters, and polylactic acid.

Many methods for the preparation of such formulations are patented or generally known. See, e.g., Sustained and Controlled Release Drug Delivery Systems, J. R. Robinson, ed., Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 1978.

A soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be modified, e.g., with a moiety that improves its stabilization and/or retention in circulation, e.g., in blood, serum, or other tissues, e.g., by at least 1.5, 2, 5, 10, or 50 fold. The modified agent can be evaluated to assess whether it can reach sites of inflammation (e.g., lesions or scleroses) such as can occur in a demyelinating disorder, such as Multiple Sclerosis (e.g., by using a labeled form of the agent).

For example, the soluble LTβR can be associated with a polymer, e.g., a substantially non-antigenic polymer, such as a polyalkylene oxide or a polyethylene oxide. Suitable polymers will vary substantially by weight. Polymers having molecular number average weights ranging from about 200 to about 35,000 Daltons (or about 1,000 to about 15,000, and 2,000 to about 12,500) can be used.

For example, a soluble LTβR can be conjugated to a water soluble polymer, e.g., a hydrophilic polyvinyl polymer, e.g., polyvinylalcohol or polyvinylpyrrolidone. A non-limiting list of such polymers include polyalkylene oxide homopolymers such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) or polypropylene glycols, polyoxyethylenated polyols, copolymers thereof and block copolymers thereof, provided that the water solubility of the block copolymers is maintained. Additional useful polymers include polyoxyalkylenes such as polyoxyethylene, polyoxypropylene, and block copolymers of polyoxyethylene and polyoxypropylene (Pluronics); polymethacrylates; carbomers; and branched or unbranched polysaccharides.

When the soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) is used in combination with a second agent (e.g., any of the therapies for Multiple Sclerosis and other demyelinating disorders described herein), the two agents can be formulated separately or together. For example, the respective pharmaceutical compositions can be mixed, e.g., just prior to administration, and administered together or can be administered separately, e.g., at the same or different times.

Administration

A soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) can be administered to a subject, e.g., a human subject, by a variety of methods. For many applications, the route of administration is one of intravenous injection or infusion (IV), subcutaneous injection (SC), intraperitoneally (IP), or intramuscular injection. In some cases, administration may be directly into the CNS, e.g., intrathecal, intracerebroventricular (ICV), intracerebral or intracranial. The agent can be administered as a fixed dose, or in a mg/kg dose.

The dose can also be chosen to reduce or avoid production of antibodies against the agent.

The route and/or mode of administration of the soluble LTβR can also be tailored for the individual case, e.g., by determining the location, number or size of scleroses in a subject, e.g., using Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, Positron-Emission Tomography (PET) scans, Diffusion-Weighted Imaging (DW-I, or DW-MRI), Diffusion Tensor Imaging, Myelography, Magnetization Transfer. The severity or extent of a demyelinating disorder can also be determined from lumbar puncture (e.g., to check for elevated white cells in the cerebral-spinal fluid), evoked potential testing as a measure of nerve function, and/or any other standard parameters associated with a demyelinating disorder (e.g., Multiple Sclerosis), e.g., any of the assessment criteria described herein.

Dosage regimens are adjusted to provide the desired response, e.g., a therapeutic response or a combinatorial therapeutic effect. The dosage regimen will, for example, cause an increase in remyelination. Generally, a dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) optionally formulated separately or together with an appropriate dose of a second therapeutic agent can be used to provide a subject with the soluble LTβR. Suitable dosages and/or dose ranges for the soluble LTβR include an amount sufficient to cause increased remyelination in a subject. Suitable dosages can be any of those described herein and include, for example, a dose of at least about 0.001 mg of a soluble LTβR per kg body weight of a subject (e.g., a human patient).

A dose of a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR fusion polypeptide such as LTβR-Fc) required to increase remyelination can depend on a variety of factors including, for example, the age, sex, and weight of a subject to be treated. Other factors affecting the dose administered to the subject include, e.g., the type or severity of the demyelinating disorder. For example, a patient with Acute Fulminant Multiple Sclerosis may require a administration of a different dosage of a soluble LTβR than a patient with a milder form of Multiple Sclerosis. Other factors can include, e.g., other disorders concurrently or previously affecting the patient, the general health of the patient, the genetic disposition of the patient, diet, time of administration, rate of excretion, drug combination, and any other additional therapeutics that are administered to the patient. It should also be understood that a specific dosage and treatment regimen for any particular patient will depend upon the judgment of the treating physician. The amount of active ingredients will also depend upon the particular described compound and the presence or absence and the nature of the additional anti-viral agent in the composition.

Dosage unit form or “fixed dose” as used herein refers to physically discrete units suited as unitary dosages for the subjects to be treated; each unit contains a predetermined quantity of active compound calculated to produce the desired therapeutic effect (e.g., an crease in remyelination in a subject) in association with the required pharmaceutical carrier and optionally in association with the other agent. Suitable administration frequencies are described elsewhere herein.

A pharmaceutical composition may include a therapeutically effective amount of a soluble LTβR described herein. Such effective amounts can be determined based on the effect of the administered agent, or the combinatorial effect of an agent and secondary agent if more than one agent is used. A therapeutically effective amount of an agent can also vary according to factors such as the disease state, age, sex, and weight of the individual, and the ability of the compound to elicit a desired response in the individual, e.g., amelioration of at least one disorder parameter, e.g., amelioration of at least one symptom of a demyelinating disorder, e.g., Multiple Sclerosis. For example, a therapeutically effective amount of soluble LTβR will increase remyelination and can also slow and/or ameliorate demyelination. A therapeutically effective amount is also one in which any toxic or detrimental effects of the composition is outweighed by the therapeutically beneficial effects.

Devices and Kits

Pharmaceutical compositions that include a soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR-Fc) can be administered with a medical device. The device can be designed with features such as portability, room temperature storage, and ease of use so that it can be used in emergency situations, e.g., by an untrained subject or by emergency personnel in the field, removed to medical facilities and other medical equipment. The device can include, e.g., one or more housings for storing pharmaceutical preparations that include a soluble LTβR, and can be configured to deliver one or more unit doses of the agent.

For example, the pharmaceutical composition can be administered with a transcutaneous delivery device, such as a syringe, including a hypodermic or multichamber syringe. Other suitable delivery devices include stents, catheters, transcutaneous patches, microneedles, and implantable controlled release devices.

The device (e.g., a syringe) can include a soluble LTβR in a dry or liquid form at a dose sufficient to cause remyelination. The device can also be a dual-chambered device, wherein one chamber contains a unit dose of lyophilized soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc) sufficient to cause increased remyelination in a subject, and a second chamber containing a liquid (e.g., a buffer) for reconstituting the lyophilized unit dose of a soluble LTβR.

In other examples, the pharmaceutical composition can be administered with a needleless hypodermic injection device, such as the devices described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,399,163; 5,383,851; 5,312,335; 5,064,413; 4,941,880; 4,790,824; or 4,596,556. Examples of well-known implants and modules are described in, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,487,603, which discloses an implantable micro-infusion pump for dispensing medication at a controlled rate; U.S. Pat. No. 4,486,194, which discloses a therapeutic device for administering medications through the skin; U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,233, which discloses a medication infusion pump for delivering medication at a precise infusion rate; U.S. Pat. No. 4,447,224, which discloses a variable flow implantable infusion apparatus for continuous drug delivery; U.S. Pat. No. 4,439,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system having multi-chamber compartments; and U.S. Pat. No. 4,475,196, which discloses an osmotic drug delivery system. Many other devices, implants, delivery systems, and modules are also known.

A soluble LTβR (e.g., an LTβR-Fc) can be provided in a kit. In one embodiment, the kit includes (a) a container that contains a composition that includes one or more unit doses of a soluble LTβR, and optionally (b) informational material. The unit doses of soluble LTβR are sufficient to cause increased remyelination in a subject. The informational material can be descriptive, instructional, marketing or other material that relates to the methods described herein and/or the use of the agents for therapeutic benefit. The kit can also include reagents and instructions useful in the testing (assaying) for remyelination. Such methods of assaying for remyelination include, but are not limited to, any of the testing methods described herein. In one embodiment, the kit includes one or more additional agents for treating a demyelinating disorder, such as one or more agents to treat Multiple Sclerosis. For example, the kit includes a first container that contains a composition that includes the soluble LTβR, and a second container that includes the one or more additional agents.

The informational material of the kits is not limited in its form. In one embodiment, the informational material can include information about production of the compound, molecular weight of the compound, concentration, date of expiration, batch or production site information, and so forth. In one embodiment, the informational material relates to methods of administering the soluble LTβR (e.g., LTβR-Fc), e.g., in a suitable dose, dosage form, or mode of administration (e.g., a dose, dosage form, or mode of administration described herein), to treat a subject who has a demyelinating disorder, or who is at risk of developing, or for experiencing an episode associated with a demyelinating disorder. The information can be provided in a variety of formats, including printed text, computer readable material, video recording, or audio recording, or a information that provides a link or address to substantive material.

In addition to the agent, the composition in the kit can include other ingredients, such as a solvent or buffer, a stabilizer, or a preservative. The agent can be provided in any form, e.g., liquid, dried or lyophilized form, preferably substantially pure and/or sterile. When the agents are provided in a liquid solution, the liquid solution preferably is an aqueous solution. When the agents are provided as a dried form, reconstitution generally is by the addition of a suitable solvent. The solvent, e.g., sterile water or buffer, can optionally be provided in the kit.

The kit can include one or more containers for the composition or compositions containing the agents. In some embodiments, the kit contains separate containers, dividers or compartments for the composition and informational material. For example, the composition can be contained in a bottle, vial, or syringe, and the informational material can be contained in a plastic sleeve or packet. In other embodiments, the separate elements of the kit are contained within a single, undivided container. For example, the composition is contained in a bottle, vial or syringe that has attached thereto the informational material in the form of a label. In some embodiments, the kit includes a plurality (e.g., a pack) of individual containers, each containing one or more unit dosage forms (e.g., a dosage form described herein) of the agents. The containers can include a combination unit dosage, e.g., a unit that includes both the soluble LTβR and the second agent, e.g., in a desired ratio. For example, the kit includes a plurality of syringes, ampules, foil packets, blister packs, or medical devices, e.g., each containing a single combination unit dose. The containers of the kits can be air tight, waterproof (e.g., impermeable to changes in moisture or evaporation), and/or light-tight.

The kit optionally includes a device suitable for administration of the composition, e.g., a syringe or other suitable delivery device. The device can be is provided pre-loaded with one or both of the agents or can be empty, but suitable for loading.

Methods of Making Soluble LTBRs

Suitable methods of making soluble LTβRs are known in the art and are described, for example, in WO 97/03687, WO 98/17313, WO 00/21558, WO 99/38525, WO 00/36092. For example, an LTβR immunoglobulin fusion protein can be expressed in cell culture (e.g., mammalian cell culture (such as monkey COS cells or Chinese hamster ovary cells) or yeast cell culture) at a reduced temperature to produce an increased amount of properly folded fusion protein. The expressed fusion protein can be purified, e.g., by affinity or conventional chromatography techniques (see, e.g., WO 00/36092). All the above-mentioned PCT applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The following examples are meant to illustrate, not limit, the invention.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Materials and Methods

Animals.

C57BL6 mice were purchased from Jackson Laboratories (Bar Harbor, Me.) and bred in house at the University of North Carolina (UNC) animal facility. LtβR^(−/−) mice were bred in house at the UNC animal facility. All procedures were conducted in accordance with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and were approved by the Institutional Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals Animal Care and Use Committee of UNC at Chapel Hill. All mice were at 8-10 weeks of age prior to the start of cuprizone treatment.

Treatment of Mice.

Male LtβR^(−/−) and C57BL6 wild-type mice were fed ad libitum 0.2% cuprizone [oxalic bis(cyclohexylidenehydrazide)] (Aldrich, St. Louis, Mo.) mixed into milled chow. Mice were treated for 3, 3.5, 4, or 5 weeks to study the demyelination process. For remyelination, mice were returned to a diet of normal pellet chow for 1, 2 or 4 weeks following 6 full weeks of cuprizone treatment. Untreated mice were maintained on a diet of normal pellet chow.

Both human and mouse LtβR-Ig and their controls were kindly provided by Dr. J. Browning (Biogen Idec, Cambridge, Mass.) and are described in Gommertnan et al. (2003) J. Clin. Invest. 112:755-767. To study demyelination, mice were pretreated on day −1 and weekly thereafter with intraperitoneal injections of 5 mg/kg of either human LtβR-human Ig (hLtβR-IgG-1 Fc) or human-Ig control. The post-treatment paradigm consisted of cuprizone treatment for 6 full weeks. After 5 weeks plus 2 days (approximate height of demyelination) of cuprizone treatment, mice were given intraperitoneal injections of either mouse LtβR-mouseIgG-1 or matched control MOPC-21 followed by weekly injections out to 10 weeks. This murine version of LtβR-Ig has been shown to be less antigenic in the mouse.

Tissue Preparation and Histopathological Analysis.

Paraffin-embedded coronal brain sections were prepared from the fornix region of the corpus callosum. Luxol fast blue-periodic acid Schiff (LFB-PAS) stained sections were read by three double-blinded readers and graded on a scale from 0 (complete myelination) to 3 (complete demyelination), as described in Arnett et al. (2001) Nat. Neurosci. 4:1116-1122 and Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14.

Immunohistochemistry.

Detection of mature oligodendrocytes, microglia/macrophages and astrocytes was performed by immunohistochemistry (Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14). Quantitative analyses of GSTπ and RCA-1 positive cells were restricted to a 0.033 mm² area at midline corpus callosum. Only immunopositive cells with an observable DAPI-stained nucleus were included in the quantification. Cell counts are averages of at least 9 and up to 14 mice per time point. Myelinated fibers were detected by immunohistochemistry with a primary antibody to myelin basic protein (Sternberger Monoclonals Inc. Lutherville, Md.) followed by flourescein-conjugated anti-mouse IgG (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) diluted 1:1000.

In Situ Hybridization.

Following cuprizone treatment, mice were perfused with RNase-free PBS and then 4% paraformaldehyde. Brains were removed and incubated in fixative until mounted for cryosectioning. Detection of mRNA for LtβR was performed by in situ hybridization as described in Schmid et al. (2002) J. Neurochem. 83:1309-1320.

RT-PCR and Quantitative Realtime RT-PCR.

Total RNA was isolated from a dissected region of the brain containing the corpus callosum of wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice at several points during and after cuprizone treatment. RNA isolation was performed using the Qiagen RNeasy kit under RNase-free conditions (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.). RT-PCR for LIGHT was performed in 20 μl reactions using the following primers: 5′ primer: CTGGCATGGAGAGTGTGGTA (SEQ ID NO:3); 3′ primer: GATACGTCAAGCCCCTCAAG (SEQ ID NO:4).

TaqMan 5′ nuclease quantitative real-time PCR assays were performed using an ABI Prism 7900 sequence-detection system (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) in a 15 μl reaction with universal master mix (Invitrogen), 200 nM LtβR target primers, and 100 nM probe. LtβR specific primers were designed to span intron-exon junctions to differentiate between cDNA and genomic DNA. The primers and probe used to detect mouse LtβR were as follows: 5′ primer, GTACTCTGCCAGCCTGGCACAGAAGCCGAGGTCACAGATG (SEQ ID NO:5); 3′ primer, GGTATGGGGTTGACAGCGGGCTCGAGGGGAGG (SEQ ID NO:6); probe, Fam-ACGTCAACTGTGTCCC-Tamra (SEQ ID NO:7). The primers and probe for mouse 18 S ribosomal RNA were 5′ primer, GCTGCTGGCACCAGACTT (SEQ ID NO:8); 3′ primer, CGGCTACCACATCCAAGG (SEQ ID NO:9); probe, Fam-CAAATTACCCACTCCCGACCCG-Tamra (SEQ ID NO:10). Thermal cycle parameters were optimized to 2 min at 50° C., 2 min at 95° C., and 40 cycles comprising denaturation at 95° C. for 15 sec and annealing-extension at 56° C. for 1.5 min. Reactions for 18 S were performed alongside LtβR during each experiment and used to normalize for amounts of cDNA.

Statistical Analysis.

Unpaired Student's t tests were used to statistically evaluate significant differences. Data are expressed as mean±s.e.m.

Example 2 LtβR Localization and LIGHT Expression in the Brain

Ltα and Ltβ are found on a wide variety of haematopoietic cells while LtβR is expressed on dendritic cells and monocytes as well as most lineages of non-haematopoietic cells, follicular dendritic cells and high endothelial venules (Gommerman et al. (2003) Nat. Rev. Immunol. 3:642-655). Ltα and Ltβ have also been detected on astrocytes while LtβR has been detected on astrocytes and cells of monocytic origin (Cannella et al. (1997) J. Neuroimmunol. 78:172-179 and Plant et al. Glia 49:1-14). To assess LtβR expression in the cuprizone model, we performed quantitative real-time RT-PCR to examine the level of LtβR in the brains of untreated and cuprizone treated mice. Demyelination time points were obtained from mice treated for 3, 3.5, 4 or 5 weeks with cuprizone while remyelination time points were obtained from mice treated for 6 weeks and then released from cuprizone for 1, 2 or 4 weeks, corresponding to weeks 7, 8 and 10. Taqman probes specific for the LtβR gene and ribosomal 18S were used to detect transcripts in cDNA generated from brain RNA samples. As shown in FIG. 1, LtβR mRNA expression rose moderately in wild-type mice during cuprizone treatment (through week 6) (throughout the demyelination phase). LtβR mRNA expression levels declined to normal levels during the remyelination phase (weeks 7-10). Low levels of LtβR were detected in control untreated mice.

To define the cell type that expresses LtβR, in situ hybridization was used to localize LtβR in brains of untreated and cuprizone treated mice. LtβR was not expressed in brain prior to treatment. By 3 weeks of cuprizone treatment, a small amount of LtβR was detected in the corpus callosum region, however, by 5 weeks of treatment, a dramatic upregulation of LtβR was detected in this inflamed region. To determine which cell type expressed LtβR, in situ hybridization was coupled with immunohistochemical analysis. Microglia and macrophages were visualized in brain cyrosections using biotinylated tomato lectin, astrocytes were visualized using GFAP-specific antibodies, oligodendrocytes using CNP-specific antibodies and neurons using NeuN-specific antibodies. LtβR expression could only be detected in lectin-positive cells. These results indicated that activated microglia and/or macrophages rather than astrocytes, oligodendrocytes or neurons express LtβR during cuprizone-induced inflammation and demyelination.

While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, in view of previous findings that astrocytes are the source of Ltα (Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14), these data suggested that Ltαβ-LtβR signaling between astrocytes and microglia is primarily involved in the inflammatory demyelinating process that occurs during cuprizone treatment. In addition to Ltαβ, LtβR interacts with the membrane-bound ligand, LIGHT (homologous to lymphotoxins, exhibits inducible expression, and competes with herpes simplex virus glycoprotein D for the herpes-virus entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor expressed by T lymphocytes) (Granger et al. (2001) J. Clin. Invest. 108:1741-1742). LIGHT appears to be localized primarily to T cells, immature dendritic cells, granulocytes and monocytes (Gommerman et al. Nat. Rev. Immunol. 3:642-655), but has not been well-characterized in the brain. To determine if LIGHT expression was altered during cuprizone treatment, brain tissues were analyzed for LIGHT expression by RT-PCR. While LIGHT is found at high levels in the control spleen and thymus, extremely low to negligible levels were found in the brains of untreated or cuprizone treated mice. In addition, LIGHT was not regulated by the presence of LtβR as mice lacking LtβR express similar levels of LIGHT in the brain. While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, these data suggested that LIGHT does not play a significant role during cuprizone-induced inflammation.

Example 3 Delayed Demyelination in LtβR^(−/−) Mice

The presence of Ltα exacerbated demyelination induced by cuprizone treatment (Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14). Furthermore, the lack of Ltα did not alter the course of remyelination nor the proliferation of oligodendrocyte progenitors following removal of cuprizone from the diet. Ltα can function as a homotrimeric molecule signaling through the TNF receptors, as well as a heterotrimeric molecule with Ltβ to signal through the LtβR. While the role of TNF receptors in the cuprizone model has been previously analyzed (Arnett et al. (2001) Nat. Neurosci. 4:1116-1122), the role of LtβR in this model was unknown. To analyze the role of LtβR, mice lacking this gene and wild-type controls were treated with 0.2% cuprizone in their diet for 3, 3.5, 4 or 5 weeks. Compared to wild-type mice, a significant delay in demyelination was exhibited by the LtβR^(−/−) mice as assessed by LFB-PAS staining (FIG. 2). The LFB-PAS stained paraffin sections were assessed by three double-blind investigators. Significant differences in demyelination were seen between wt and LtβRT^(−/−) mice at 3 weeks (p<0.02), 3.5 weeks (p<0.01) and 4 weeks (p<0.001). While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, these data indicated that signaling through LtβR exacerbates the inflammatory demyelinating process. This delay could be seen as early as 3 weeks (p<0.02) of cuprizone treatment but was most pronounced at 3.5 weeks (p<0.01) and 4 weeks (p<0.001) of treatment and is clearly revealed by representative LFB-PAS images of wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice at 4 weeks of treatment. The delay in demyelination in LtβR^(−/−) mice was similar to the delay in demyelination seen in Ltα^(−/−) mice (Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14), therefore, while not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, these data suggested that membrane bound Ltαβ signaling through the LtβR is involved in the demyelination process.

Example 4 Delayed Remyelination in LtβR^(−/−) Mice

The ability of mature oligodendrocytes to remyelinate the corpus callosum was studied in LFB-PAS stained paraffin sections from wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice. Modest, but significant, differences in remyelination were observed between wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice at 7 (p<0.001) and 10 weeks (p<0.02) (FIG. 2). By 12 weeks, LtβR^(−/−) mice remyelinated to the same extent as wild-type controls (p=0.11). These differences during remyelination were less than 0.5 on our scale of severity of demyelination whereas differences seen in studies of TNFα^(−/−) vs wild-type mice were greater than 1.5 on the scale (Arnett et al. (2001) Nat. Neurosci. 4:1116-1122), and persisted up to 14 weeks. While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, while remyelination appeared to be delayed in LtβR^(−/−) mice, it eventually resolved.

Example 5 Delayed Oligodendrocyte Loss in LtβR^(−/−) Mice During Demyelination

To verify that the delay in demyelination observed by LFB-PAS was accompanied by changes in oligodendrocytes, immunohistochemistry was performed to detect mature oligodendrocytes in paraffin sections adjacent to those used for LFB staining. GSTπ+ was used as a marker for oligodendrocytes, and the cells at the midline corpus callosum were quantitated. In both wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice, abundant oligodendrocytes were detected in untreated mice. However, after 3 and 3.5 weeks of treatment, more oligodendrocytes were detected in LtβR^(−/−) mice compared to wild-type mice (3.5 weeks; p<0.01). No difference in oligodendrocyte numbers was found between wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice at 4 weeks. These data were similar to the LFB staining results, except for the 4 week time point, where LFB staining showed reduced demyelination in the LtβR^(−/−) mice. In contrast, GSTπ+ staining was not different between LtβR^(−/−) and wildtype mice. While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, the difference between GSTπ+ and LFB staining likely resulted from a delay between the disappearance of GSTπ+ cells and the actual loss of myelin. By 5 weeks of cuprizone treatment, few GSTπ+ oligodendrocytes were detected in the corpus callosum of wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice. While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, again, these data are consistent with the severe demyelination for both mouse strains.

Example 6 Unchanged Oligodendrocyte Repopulation of Corpus Callosum in LtβR^(−/−) Mice During the Remyelination Phase

The involvement of LtβR in the reparative remyelination process was explored by examining paraffin sections at 7, 8, 10, and 12 weeks (1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks after the removal of cuprizone from the diet). To detect the presence of mature oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum during the remyelination phase, immunohistochemistry using the GSTπ antibody was performed on paraffin sections from wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice, followed by the quantitation of GSTπ positive cells. As shown in FIG. 3, more GSTπ+ cells were found in LtβR^(−/−) mice compared to wild-type mice at 3 weeks (p=0.09), significantly more GSTπ+ cells were found in LtβR^(−/−) mice at 3.5 weeks (p<0.03), and no differences in oligodendrocytes were found at 4 and 5 weeks of cuprizone treatment. After the removal of cuprizone, no differences in oligodendrocyte repopulation of the corpus callosum were observed between wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice. Thus, even though rare oligodendrocytes were detected in these brains at the height of demyelination (5 weeks), just one week after the removal of cuprizone (7 weeks), the corpus callosum was repopulated to approximately 75% of its original numbers of mature oligodendrocytes. By week 10, the number of mature oligodendrocytes residing in the corpus callosum recovered to pretreatment levels in both wild-type and LtβR^(−/−) mice. While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, these data indicated that LtβR was not required for oligodendrocyte progenitor proliferation and maturation during the remyelination phase.

Example 7 Unaltered Microglia/Macrophage Recruitment in LtβR^(−/−) Mice

Cuprizone induces a chronic inflammatory state in the brain including the recruitment of activated microglia and macrophages to the sites of insult (Matsushima et al. (2001) Brain Pathol. 11:107-116). Paraffin sections from LtβR^(−/−) and wild-type mice were stained with the lectin RCA-1, and microglia/macrophages at mid line corpus callosum were quantitated. As shown in FIG. 4, accumulation of microglia/macrophages at the midline corpus callosum was unaffected by the presence of LtβR. No significant differences in numbers of RCA-1+ cells were observed at any time point during the demyelination or remyelination phases of this model.

Example 8 Inhibition of Functional LtβR Reduces Demyelination

While not limited by any particular theory or mechanism, these studies suggested that LtβR had a dramatic exacerbating effect on demyelination, but a potentially modest beneficial effect during remyelination. However, mice lacking LtβR from birth have significant developmental problems. For example, LtβR^(−/−) mice do not have mesenteric lymph nodes, Peyer's patches, and colon-associated lymphoid tissues and thus do not have a fully functioning immune system (Futterer et al. (1998) Immunity 9:59-70). In addition, it was known in the art that levels of chemokine and to cytokine synthesis are controlled by LtβR (Chin et al. (2003) Immuno. Rev. 195:190-201), but the full impact of LOR control of chemokines and cytokines on the CNS is not known. Furthermore, natural killer cells in LtβR^(−/−) mice do not have surface expression of the NK1.1 receptor due to the proximity of the encoding gene and the Ltbr gene (Wu et al. (2001) J. Immunol. 166:1684-1689).

Functional inhibition of LtβR in wild-type mice was possible using a fusion decoy protein. To assess the validity of the aforementioned data in LtβR^(−/−) mice, which demonstrated a detrimental role for wiz during cuprizone-induced demyelination, C57BL6 mice were treated with either LtβR-Ig (human IgG₁ Fc, mouse LtβR) fusion decoy protein or polyclonal human IgG control during cuprizone treatment. Mice were pretreated on day −1 and weekly thereafter with intraperitoneal injections (5 mg/kg) and were maintained on an ad libitum diet of 0.2% cuprizone for 3.5 weeks. After 3.5 weeks, mice were perfused and paraffin brain sections were stained by the LFB-PAS method to assess the extent of demyelination at midline corpus callosum. Mice treated with human-Ig control were significantly more demyelinated than mice that received the LtβR-Ig inhibitor decoy protein (p<0.02) (FIG. 5). After 3.5 weeks, the average demyelination score of mice receiving control-Ig injections was very similar to wild-type mice treated for 4 weeks with cuprizone, while the average demyelination score of mice receiving injections of LtβR-Ig were very similar to LtβR^(−/−) mice treated for 4 weeks with cuprizone. Immunohistochemistry for myelin basic protein (MBP) confirmed the lack of myelinated fibers in mice treated with human-Ig control compared to LtβR-Ig treated mice. In conclusion, these results suggested that demyelination in cuprizone-treated mice was significantly delayed by inhibition of the LtβR.

Example 9 Inhibition of LtβR Enhances Remyelination

Next, the ability of the LtβR-IgG1 treatment to alter the extent of remyelination after significant demyelination had already occurred was examined. An advantage of the cuprizone model was the capacity to examine events that influence remyelination. To investigate the role of LtβR in the process of remyelination, C57BL6 mice were treated with 0.2% cuprizone for 6 weeks. This period of cuprizone treatment to reproducibly resulted in complete demyelination in all mice studied to date, including the wildtype C57BL6 mice (Arnett et al. (2001) Nat. Neurosci. 4:1116-1122 and Plant et al. (2005) Glia 49:1-14). After 5 weeks plus 2 days of cuprizone treatment, mice were injected with either mouse LtβR-IgG-1 or control mouseIgG-1. This was followed by the weekly injection of either mouse LtβR-IgG1 or control mouse-IgG1 until week 10, when remyelination was clear. Due to the concern that human Fc might elicit an immune response in this prolonged experiment, a fusion protein consisting of mouse LtβR and mouse IgG1 Fc were used in this experiment. LFB stained sections were analyzed as above. Remarkably and surprisingly, mice treated with mLtβR-mIgG1 showed significantly more remyelination (p<0.007) than mice treated with the control-mIgG1 (FIG. 6). Additionally, immunohistochemistry for MBP confirmed a reduced remyelination in mice treated with human-Ig control compared to LtβR-Ig treated mice. To verify these data, the number of mature oligodendrocytes within the corpus callosum at 10 weeks was quantitated. GSTπ positive oligodendrocytes were more abundant in the corpus callosum of mLtβR-IgG1 treated mice compared to control mouse-Ig treated controls (p<0.04). In conclusion, remyelination in cuprizone-treated mice was significantly enhanced by post-treatment with an inhibitor of LtβR signaling.

A number of embodiments of the invention have been described. Nevertheless, it will be understood that various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Accordingly, other embodiments are within the scope of the following claims. 

1-83. (canceled)
 84. A kit comprising (i) one or more unit doses of a soluble LTβR and (ii) reagents and instructions for how to assay for remyelination.
 85. The kit of claim 84, wherein the kit is for the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.
 86. The kit of claim 84, wherein the soluble LTβR is human LTβR or an LT-binding fragment thereof.
 87. The kit of claim 86, wherein the soluble LTβR comprises a substantial portion of the extracellular region of human LTβR (SEQ ID NO: 2) linked to an Fc region of an Ig.
 88. The kit of claim 87, wherein the soluble LTβR comprises the sequence set forth in SEQ ID NO:1. 89-100. (canceled)
 101. The kit of claim 84, further comprising instructions for administering the one or more unit doses of the soluble LTβR to a subject.
 102. The kit of claim 84, wherein the kit is for the treatment of a demyelinating disorder.
 103. The kit of claim 101, wherein the subject is receiving an anti-TNF therapy.
 104. The kit of claim 101, wherein the subject is a human.
 105. The kit of claim 101, wherein the instructions provide that the one or more unit doses are administered once every 3-10 days; at least twice and not more than once every 5-20 days; or at least twice and not more than once every 28-31 days.
 106. The kit of claim 101, wherein the instructions provide that the one or more unit doses are administered weekly, biweekly or monthly.
 107. The kit of claim 101, wherein the instructions provide that the one or more unit doses are administered weekly over the course of at least 4 weeks. 